Job Description

The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) – the largest and oldest no-kill shelter in Arizona – is seeking a bi-lingual Front Desk Receptionist with strong organizational, interpersonal and communications skills to assist the public with specific adoption service needs, answer questions and concerns from members of the public and direct them as appropriate, including providing them with referral information.  The Front Desk Receptionist is expected to work collaboratively across the organization by fielding calls from and providing resources to members of the public about our various programs and services, including Adoptions, Intake, Fostering, Volunteering, Education and Community Vet Clinic, which is our low-cost community clinic for animals. 

Since the Front Desk Position serves as the first point of contact for community members visiting AAWL, we are seeking individuals who are empathetic, courteous, accommodating, and professional above all else, and who can communicate and work effectively with volunteers, staff, and the general public.   The ideal applicant must always maintain a calm manner and know how to prioritize in a fast-paced, occasionally stressful environment.

The Front Desk Receptionist reports directly to the Adoptions Manager.  This is a full-time(30+hours per week), non-exempt position in Phoenix. The hours range from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. depending on scheduling needs from Tuesday through Saturday.  Weekends are required.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to all AAWL visitors, including knowing how to warmly manage and greet multiple community members entering the front lobby at a given time. 
• Answer multiple phone lines and transfer calls where necessary.
• Follow established referral/intake policies and procedures.
• Respond in an empathetic and compassionate way to the needs of customers experiencing trauma or trying to resolve emotionally difficult situations involving their pets. 
• Handle data entry, including updating multiple databases and running adoption reports.

Qualifications

• At least 6 months of previous reception or customer service experience.
• Must be a people person and have strong interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for building professional relationships with the public, volunteers, and staff.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to speak comfortably with members of the public about how to manage and resolve conflicts and problem solve.   
• Knowledge of basic computer software like MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Facebook, and other social media applications.
• Must be able to work a Tuesday-Saturday schedule. 
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Fluency in English & Spanish.  
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
• Ability to adapt to change and accept new duties within a fast-growing organization.
• Ability to work with diverse individuals within the organization and broader community. 
• Experience handling dogs and cats (preferred).

Requirements

Requires periodic sitting at a computer station with prolonged standing and walking. Use of personal computers, phone, and general office equipment. Must be comfortable handling dogs and cats daily on a continuous basis. Will be exposed to disinfectant solutions and subject to bites and scratches while handling animals of questionable temperament. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with animals, the public, volunteers, and staff. Also requires flexibility to readily adapt to a fast-paced changing environment and the ability to work weekends and holidays.

To Apply for This Position

Please submit a resume, cover letter and three professional references (including their email, phone, and relationship to you) to Zoe Anaya at: zanaya@aawl.org.  In your subject line, please reference “Front Desk Receptionist” in your email. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.

Employment Details

AAWL offers compensation that is commensurate with experience and competitive with animal welfare salaries.  This position pays $15.45 - $16.05/hr., D.O.E.  Benefits include employer-paid medical insurance, paid vacation/sick time off, and twelve paid holidays. This is a full-time, non-exempt.

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